Richard Merill Howell peacefully passed away on May 5, 2017, less than three months after losing his beloved wife, Geraldine. He was 94 years old. Richard was born on March 7, 1923 in Sugar City, Madison County, Idaho. He is the oldest of seven children, born to Richard Smith Howell and Signa Elizabeth Fikstad Howell.
When Richard was young, his family lived on a farm. He loved caring for all the farm animals ‚ milking cows and working with horses used as draft animals to plow and pull other equipment used in farming. The ongoing necessity of caring for animals and working the ground, taught him to accept responsibility.
He was still a young man when his family moved from Idaho to Salt Lake City. This is where he met his future wife, Geraldine. Richard attended West High school, as well as, the University of Utah and Westminster College, where he studied Civil Engineering.
Richard also spent time in the Navy Air Corp during WWII. He had many experiences while training as a Navy Pilot. He was so good, they sent him for more specialized pilot training. He was honorably discharged after the war was over.
During his time in the military, while on leave and after much convincing, he was sealed to his eternal companion, Geraldine Sorenson, in the Salt Lake Temple by Harold B. Lee on April 18, 1945. They soon welcomed three children: Paul, Sandra, and Craig.
Richard was a faithful and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his whole life and had a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. He held many callings, and as a General Contractor and Master Carpenter he was called to serve a Building Mission from 1964 ‚ 1966. He enjoyed working with his hands, and in 1955 he designed and built a home that took first place in the Parade of Homes. The most important thing to him was his family. He loved each and every one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his children: Paul (MaryAnn) Howell, Sandra (Noel) Johnson, and Craig (Kay) Howell, and two sisters: RaNay and Colleen. 13 Grandchildren, and 21 Great-Grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geraldine; his parents: Richard and Signa Howell. Three brothers: Dale, Leo and Ted, and a sister, LaWana.
The family would like to thank The Cascades at Riverwalk for the care given to Richard in his last days.
Funeral Services will be held on May 13, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Larkin Mortuary (260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah). A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. just prior to funeral services. Interment at Lehi City Cemetery.
